Timing is Everything: Navigating RSV Immunization for Pregnant Patients and Infants

In this episode, ‘Timing is Everything: Navigating RSV Immunization for Pregnant Patients and Infants’ the expert pharmacists explore the following questions:

1. Because RSV is seasonal, how are you managing the timing of immunization for pregnant people and infants? What does that conversation look like?
2. If it is too early, what steps are you taking to ensure the infant is protected through RSV season?

The expert pharmacists examined the critical importance of timing in RSV immunization for pregnant individuals and infants, noting that patient conversations often fall at opposite ends of the spectrum, from eager acceptance to strong resistance. They emphasized the need to educate patients on the 32-to-36-week window for maternal vaccination to ensure adequate antibody transfer, and the alternative strategy of monoclonal antibodies for newborns when this window is missed. The experts also clarified how to navigate off-timing scenarios, reassuring parents that protection is always available with monoclonal antibodies for infants up to 8 months old. This practical guidance helps pharmacists lead informed discussions and ensure no infant goes unprotected through RSV season.

Throughout the conversation, the experts provide a comprehensive reflection on the field and the factors that may shape how clinicians approach care moving forward.